According to Acura, the suggested retail pricing for 2013 ILX starts at $26,795 – which, like all prices shown here, includes $895 in destination fees. That price puts buyers into a base-level ILX, which boasts a 150-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 and a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes keyless entry and ignition, leatherette seating with cloth inserts, a power moonroof, automatic climate control, a USB audio input, and a touchscreen audio system that, when paired with a smartphone through Bluetooth, offers Pandora and text messaging functions.
Buyers seeking additional content are forced to play the familiar package game. A Premium package, which runs an extra $3300, adds leather seating, heated front seats, an upgraded audio system, a multi-angle back-up camera, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and an active noise cancellation system. Another $2200 lumps in the Technology package, which adds a hard drive-based navigation system, a Homelink controller, and a 10-speaker ELS surround-sound system.
Acura has previously noted the ILX 2.4L, which boasts both a 201-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 and a six-speed manual transmission, will only be offered with the Premium package contents. Despite an increase in displacement and power, you won’t have to pony up much more for the 2.4L model. In fact, at $30,095, the ILX 2.4L carries the same MSRP as an ILX 2.0L fitted with the optional Premium package.
At $29,795, the 2013 ILX Hybrid rings in at nearly $3000 over a base ILX 2.0L, but it does manage to undercut Lexus’ competitor – the 2012 CT 200h – by almost $300. Interestingly, the ILX Hybrid isn’t available with a Premium package, but the Premium package’s content – minus the 17-inch wheels and noise cancellation system – are lumped into the Technology package – which, at $5500, is the same premium one encounters when adding both the Premium and Technology packages to an ILX 2.0L.
What’s interesting is how the ILX is priced in regards to the somewhat larger TSX, which previously held the lowest rung in Acura’s brand ladder. A base 2.0-liter ILX comes in at nearly $4200 below a base 2012 TSX, but it should be noted many standard features on the TSX – notably leather seating – require opting for the Premium package on the ILX. Do so, and that margin shrinks to a paltry $810. Pit the ILX 2.4L against the TSX Special Edition M/T – both of which share identical drivelines – and the ILX is only about $1800 less expensive.
Acura claims ILX buyers will prefer its style, its newer infotainment system, and fuel economy, but we think some will ultimately opt for the larger car that only costs a little more money. We’ll see how the 2013 ILX fares in short order – the car should roll into dealers on May 22.
